ESPN Insider: Bengals Last Two Out of Playoff Picture

According to our great pals at the “Mothership”, the Bengals are one of the last two teams out of the playoff picture. The predictor, which is powered by numberFire, a sports analytics platform that uses algorithmic modeling to better understand sports, says that the Bengals will finish the year 9-7 along with the Tennessee Titans and that their playoff odds are currently at 26.2%.

Here is more of ESPN’s breakdown of the Bengals.

“The Bengals rank above average in every defensive efficiency category, including eighth in per play pass defense. Unfortunately, the offense, led by rookie Andy Dalton, is subpar in every category. It may all come together, but odds are against this year.”

How many of you would have taken a 9-7 record when the year started? After watching the Ravens pathetic performance against Jacksonville Monday night, I think 9-7 just may win the AFC North.

For what its worth, it also predicted that the Ravens would finish 12-4 (not likely), the Steelers 11-5, and better yet, the Raiders 7-9 (now that’s more like it).

Also there’s no way 9-7 wins the AFC North I don’t think. That may be the final score of most of the games, but I think at least 11 (maybe 12?) wins is necessary. However, with every team all over the place, it’s almost impossible to tell.

The Ravens from last night wouldn’t ‘t win until 2016 but the Ravens from Week 1 would win the next 7 Super Bowls.

The Steelers have been just as varied, but as per usual they seem to be getting their stuff together and they’ll probably just do what those annoying Steelers do and make the Super Bowl regardless of their record.

Despite on Sunday setting football back to dinosaur times, I think the Browns are one of those teams that just looks kind of crappy and never passes the eye test, yet their record is better than you might think. I don’t think they’ll be in the playoff race, especially in this division, but they might screw things up for everyone else, especially if their defense keeps up their current clip.

Finally, my beloved Bengals… I have no idea how to gauge this team at all just yet. The next few games should give us a good indication on how the rest of the season might go. Although Dalton’s stats might not be Earth shattering, I think his methodical efficiency is perfect for winning in this division. I’m as excited about the Bengals as I can ever remember, but I don’t feel confident predicting almost any of their games. ‘Spose that’s why they play them.